Myth: Low-calorie sweeteners actually cause weight gain by increasing sugar cravings.
Fact: A number of studies over the years have determined that low-calorie sweeteners do not increase appetite, food intake or weight gain. In fact, the vast majority of scientific literature confirms the safety and benefits of using low-calorie sweeteners and low-calorie products for weight control and weight loss. For example, a team of researchers from Harvard spent two years investigating how the addition of a low-calorie sweetener to a multidisciplinary weight control program would affect obese women. They found the low-calorie sweetener not only helped with weight loss, but also with long-term weight maintenance. Another study, published in a recent issue of Pediatrics, discovered that overweight children could prevent further weight gain simply by walking another 2,000 steps a day and reducing their intake by 100 calories. This caloric reduction was accomplished by replacing full calorie foods and beverages with foods and beverages contains sucralose (or Splenda).
Low-calorie sweeteners can help assist people in their weight loss/control efforts because low-calorie sweeteners (such as sucralose) reduce overall calories in a food/beverage while maintaining good taste. However, low-calorie sweeteners (and the products that contain them) are not a magic bullet. Instead, low-calorie sweeteners are tools which can be incorporated into an overall healthy lifestyle that includes exercise and a balanced diet. The American Diabetes Association, American Dietetic Association and the American Heart Association, agree that reduced-calorie foods and beverages are a good option for those who want to control their weight and maintain a better lifestyle. A healthy weight can reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and other obesity-related illnesses. A recent review of research found low-calorie sweeteners may be one piece of the puzzle in helping solve the obesity problem. The authors point out that low-calorie sweeteners are not appetite suppressants and they do not cause weight loss, but “… they have been shown to be associated with some modest weight loss….”
So have some sucralose with your coffee. It will do your body - and your waistline - good.
